Letter: Moving convocation a familial disservice

Convocation has been moved to the Wednesday before graduation. This has been decided seemingly to accommodate folks (I will call them “squeaky wheels”) who have plans on the Memorial Day Weekend.

Convocation has typically been held on the Sunday before graduation, and this has been a wonderful option for those of us who want our extended family members — living out of state — to experience the joy of the graduation ceremony. It was an added bonus this year to have the Monday off after convocation.

First of all, many school systems are still in session when our kids graduate. In order for even our North Carolina family members to attend graduation, they would have to take their own high school students out of class, miss their ball games (my nephew is currently one of the most successful pitchers in North Carolina), etc.

A Sunday convocation was a nice option because it did not impact work OR school activities, and convocation on a Sunday meant that grandparents (one of ours is a World War II veteran) could travel on Friday or Saturday. They would be able to enjoy some “pomp and circumstance” in a climate-controlled venue with easily accessible facilities for the handicapped or infirm AND still make it back home for their weekly activities and doctor appointments.

Our youngest is graduating this year, and it’s unfortunate — to say the least — that now even his own sister (Class of 2009) will not be able to make either his convocation or graduation in the middle of the work week. She is a graduate student in Virginia and six hours away.

In summary, Oak Ridge High School graduations should be held on Saturdays, which is more the norm. And convocation, which was the next best option, should remain on Sunday.